Bicycle Mechanics - A stupid, but easy, spoke question

I've been on the lookout for some Wheelsmith spokes recently that are no longer made. The ones that I've found are black. I need silver.

What happens if I remove that coating? Do they look like crap? Do they rust?

If it's not a bad move, how do I take the coating off (chemical, or physical)?

Thanks in advance!

I'm not sure how these spokes are colored but I'm almost certain it's not just paint. The spokes shouldn't rust (they're stainless steel) if you remove the color but you may weaken them significantly if you do it physically.

Contact Wheelsmith for a definitive answer.

I'm not sure how these spokes are colored but I'm almost certain it's not just paint. The spokes shouldn't rust (they're stainless steel) if you remove the color but you may weaken them significantly if you do it physically.

Contact Wheelsmith for a definitive answer.

Sometimes the most obvious answers are overlooked. :o

Thanks for the advice!

I've been on the lookout for some Wheelsmith spokes recently that are no longer made. The ones that I've found are black. I need silver.

Wheelsmith spokes that are available only in black?

Wheelsmith spokes that are available only in black?

At this time, they only seem to be available in black. Back when they were being produced, I'm sure that they came in both colors. Actually, i already have the silver ones, I'm just trying to find more of them in the length that I need - but am having no luck

http://www.wheelsmith.com/spokes_introduction.html

All Wheelsmith spokes are produced from a specially drawn 304 stainless steel using a variety of cold forging techniques, some proprietary.

http://www.wheelsmith.com/spokes_introduction.html

All Wheelsmith spokes are produced from a specially drawn 304 stainless steel using a variety of cold forging techniques, some proprietary.
So are DT and Sapim spokes but plain 304 gives silver-colored spokes. The black color could be a nickel plating but I'm not sure exactly what it is.

So are DT and Sapim spokes but plain 304 gives silver-colored spokes. The black color could be a nickel plating but I'm not sure exactly what it is.

Well, I've emailed Wheelsmith. We'll see what their take on it is.

Thanks for the added info!

I'm a little late to the party, but I believe these are silver
http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30&action=list&Category=470&brand=463&modelid=927&type=T

I'm a little late to the party, but I believe these are silver
http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30&action=list&Category=470&brand=463&modelid=927&type=T

Yep, they're silver, but the ones I am looking for are the old bladed XE's.

I've gotten no response from Wheelsmith (or the parent company), so does anyone else care to venture a guess as to how, and if, I can remove the black coating?

ask ric, he might help you?

http://wheelfanatyk.blogspot.com/

Maybe if you posted the spec's & number you need, someone may have some??

Yep, they're silver, but the ones I am looking for are the old bladed XE's.

I've gotten no response from Wheelsmith (or the parent company), so does anyone else care to venture a guess as to how, and if, I can remove the black coating?
Did you e-mail them? It's amazing how often e-mails get ignored. Phone calls usually get immediate attention.

Did you e-mail them? It's amazing how often e-mails get ignored. Phone calls usually get immediate attention.

2 emails, and a phone call in the middle (left a message). I'll keep trying.

I believe Wheelsmith spokes are Black Oxide coated, as are most other brands.

Maybe if you posted the spec's & number you need, someone may have some??

I need the XE spokes (either 14 or 15) in silver in a 282 or 283mm length. ANYONE??? Anyone?


I believe Wheelsmith spokes are Black Oxide coated, as are most other brands.

Yep, I finally got ahold of them. They are Black Oxide coated. Can that be removed chemically?

Test one out by spraying some oven-cleaner on it. Works well for anodized aluminium coatings. The NaOH should dissolve oxidated materials. Spray it on, wait 10-15 minutes and wipe off with damp rag. Don't wait too long and let it dry out.

Test one out by spraying some oven-cleaner on it. Works well for anodized aluminium coatings. The NaOH should dissolve oxidated materials. Spray it on, wait 10-15 minutes and wipe off with damp rag. Don't wait too long and let it dry out.

Thanks Danno! Your wisdom is much appreciated!

I didn't see this but I will check my wheel building bin and sort through my various Wheelsmith spokes. I have some AE spokes but not sure of lengths. I haven't bought black spokes so far so all my spokes are silver.

This would be later this weekend or early next week. Unless you tell me not to check.

cdr